onsdag 13 mars 2024

MARVIN GAYE/LET'S GET IT ON STMA 8013 (-73) UK


 The ninth Marvin Gaye LP I'm posting here. For the others please check  https://monolover.blogspot.com/search?q=(G%C3%96JI*)&max-results=20&by-date=true  . All there are classic sixties Motown, solo or duet, slow or uptempo, melodic and catchy, though not often with any kind of concept, just good collections of songs. But this, his twentieth, can be called a true theme album and the theme is - erotica. Though recorded at several occations between 1970-73 in different studios it's still put together as a cardinal entity, blending soul and funk music to sexually charged lyrics. It became his most successful album and have since been widely regarded as landmark for its genre. Listening today I'm taken on a very smooth ride through titles like "Just To Keep You Satisfied", "Keep gettin' It On", "Come Get To This" and "You Sure Love To Ball", all certainly pointing in the same direction. Now over fifty years later the lyrics themselves may not come out too daring, but together with the suggestive music it still has the ability to catch. Full album below so You can see if You go with the groove. Issued and reissued on vinyl and CD all over the world through the years, also cassette, 8-track, blue ray and file. Premiere US on Tamla (T 329V1). US 2001 2xCDcame with thirtysix bonus tracks, including demos, alternate mixes and versions. First UK had label as shown here in a glossy fold/out cover.  (TÖMÖ*)  (GÖJI*)

                                                                                    
                                                                                
                                                                                     

                                                                                 




 



tisdag 12 mars 2024

THE TURTLES/THE TURTLES PRESENT THE BATTLE OF THE BANDS HAU 8376 (-69) UK MONO


  Their forth album, a concept one by some called Turtles' equivalent to Sgt. Pepper. Presented as a competition between eleven bands, covering about every pop style apparent back then and supposed to give the impression the tracks were recorded by different acts. It might be fun to have that set-up in mind when listening, but even without it's simply a very nice Turtles album. The pop parody "Elenore" (#6 on Billboard) is catchy, the odd country-ish "Chicken Little Was Right" very funny, the Beach Boys style "Surfer Dan" superficially very close to the originals and "Buzzsaw", with its heavy organ and fuzz guitar, can be heard as light garage psych. This mono is without doubt a fold from the stereo tapes. I don't have a stereo to compare with, but listening close it's possible to detect some lack of symmetri in places. Anyway it works just fine as background and as long as you don't get your ears to near very enjoyable. Issued and reissued pretty much all over the world on vinyl and CD through the years, also reel, cassette and 8-track. Premiere US 1968 on White Whale (WWS 7118) came in a fold/out cover with them posing as the different bands inside. EU 2017 2xCD on Edsel (EDSK 7120) came with eleven bonus tracks. First UK, also as stereo (SHU 8376), had label as shown here in a single fully laminated cover with die-cut hole on rear and red or blue rim inners.

                                                                                     
                                                                                    

                                                                                      

                                                                                   

                                                                                  


 
 

söndag 3 mars 2024

THE BEACH BOYS/BEACH BOYS CONCERT T 2198 (-64) UK MONO


 The group's first live album, recorded in Sacramento, California, at two occations - Dec 1963 and Aug 1964 - it remains one of few recorded live performances with the band's original line-up. It was very well recieved and became the first live album to top the Billboard pop charts. Apart from Beach Boys classics as ""Fun Fun Fun", "I Get Around" and "Little Deuce Coupe" they also perform a number of covers for the first time on album - e.g. "Johnny B. Goode", "Monster Mash" and "The Wanderer". Apparently the recordings did undergo quite a lot post-production, but nothing obvious to my ears. It has all the nerve of a true live and the voices works as well on stage as in the studio. For us used to later live recordings the audio here might come out somewhat subpar, yet sounding good for a 1964 issue and it still has the ability to put me there if I close my eyes in the listening chair. I guess a must for Beach Boys fans, both for its musical and historical values. Issued and reissued on all possible formats all over the world through the years. Premiere US on Capitol (S/TAO 2198). Japan 2001 CD on Capitol (TOCP-53167) came with one bonus track. First UK had structured label as shown here in a cover with larger "mono" on front. This copy has the smaller, so somewhat later. (BÅB*)  (LYBÖ*)

                                                                                 
                                                                                  
                                                                                    

                                                                                   


 

lördag 24 februari 2024

EDITH PIAF/CHANSONS PARISIENNES FL 9501 (-49) US MONO


 An addition to my earlier posts of the first childrens LP and first country LP. This is the first Edith Piaf LP, released 1949.  A US Columbia 10 inch issue made through transference of original 78 takes to the then new medium. The recordings were conveyed by playing the originals on state of the art equipment and record by microphone or directly to matrix or tape, though the tape recorder was a novelty back then and seldom used. Listening to this is like hearing those vintage shellacs and enjoying the same warm, cozy atmosphere. I rather put this on the turntable than any digitized version. First released as a 4x78 RPM album (Columbia F-5). Later reissued on 10 inch in the Columbia Masterworks serie (ML 2601). This premiere LP issue came with golden rim and fonts to a red label in a glossy cover. (FÄV*) (NYFÖ*) (YZÄ*) (ÖXCÅ*) (GZÅ*)

                                                                                    
                                                                                   
                                                                                   
                                                                               

                                                                              





 

JOHNNY WINTER/JOHNNY WINTER AND S 64117 (-70) UK

 


  I immediately fell in love with his "Progressive Blues Experiment" debute    https://monolover.blogspot.com/2024/02/johnny-winterthe-progressive-blues.html   and the eponymous second album where he was backed by a couple of old time black blues heroes and performed some of his best guitar play ever  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2017/03/johnny-winter-m-63619-69-uk-mono.html .  On this his fourth he's backed by three former McCoys members - guitarist Rick Derringer, bassist Randy Jo Hobbs and Randy Zehringer on drums. But what I hear here is far from "Hang On Sloopy" and also a small step away from Winter's earlier blues oriented stuff. Instead it's more rock based and as such, at least to my taste, a little less special. It is a very well performed blend of hard rockers and slow movers offering a couple of really good moments - like the fierce "Guess I'll Go Away", or the heavy "On A Limb" and "Nothing Left" - but as a whole I'm not as taken with it as I was with his second album. Though well played it hasn't got the same directness and intimacy. It has feeling, but a different more distant one. In any case it will probably fit in any true rock collection and for me a keeper for sure.  Issued and reissued all over the world on vinyl and/or CD through the years. Premiere US on Columbia (C 30221). Japan 2011 CD on Sony (SICP 3100) in paper sleeve came with two bonus tracks. First UK had label as shown here in a thin matt stickered sleeve with "Rock Buster" ad inner.

                                                                                
                                                                                  

                                                                                

                                                                                  

                                                                                   




 

THE BEACH BOYS/SHUT DOWN VOLUME 2 T 2027 (-64) UK MONO


 A kind of follow-up to the 1963 Capitol multi-artist compilation "Shut Down", this time with Beach Boys tracks only. Counted as the band's fifth album and first of three issued 1964. Apart from two covers - "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" and "Louie Louie" - all penned by the band. You should think that the pace they had back then with concerts and studio time would have made an impact on this and resulted in some kind of half-ass work, but no. Two of the cuts can be called fillers - "Cassius Love Vs. Sonny Wilson" and "Danny's Drums" - but the rest are absolutely beautiful. In songs like "Don't Worry Baby", "The Warmth Of The Sun", "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" and "Keep An Eye On Summer" the harmonies are no less than heavenly - so at the same time both tuned and strong they go right to my gut. Add to that the classic "Fun Fun Fun" and a happy "Louie Louie" version and it all adds up to a great album. Also this mono provides perfect listening - strong, clear and well separated, making the voices come out just right. High class all the way!  Issued and reissued pretty much all over the world on LP and CD through the years, also 4-track, 8-track and cassette. Premiere US on Capitol (T/ST 2027). First UK had structured label as shown here in a laminated flip/back cover with larger "mono" on top right front. Since this copy has the smaller "mono" it has to be a somewhat later press.  (BÅB*)

                                                                                     
                                                                                 
                                                                                  
                                                                             

                                                                                      

                                                                                  





 

torsdag 22 februari 2024

THE BEATLES/SESSIONS OC 064 2402701 (-85) UK


 A Beatles boot that shows up in the bins every now and then in numerous variations and formats. To me the one with the most fascinating story and the reason I bought this copy was it came with a cut out newspaper article from 85.04.20 (don't know which paper) explaining a lot about its background I didn't know before. Check below to read. So it was planned by EMI as a legit "new" Beatles LP, but stopped by Paul, George and Ringo. Apparently this has the same tracking and track order as originally planned in a sleeve design that probably was one of the chosen for the EMI issue. Listening today it's clear the engineering of the tracks wasn't finnished yet, though most of the songs comes out rather well and certainly good for a bootleg. And it's very rewarding to hear them in the exact order they were planned. I escecially dig "Leave My Kitten Alone", "What's The New Mary Jane" and the first recorded version of "One After 909". All cuts here have been released legaly since on various collections, mostly with better audio. But as this is the one that comes closest to the withdrawn licit issue it's my choice. Guess this copy belongs to one of the earlier boot batches that was issued, on black label in a fully laminated cover.   (BÄ*)  (LGÅ*)  (ÖRJ*)

                                                                                  
                                                                                
                                                                                    
                                                                                    
                                                                                      
                                                                                    
                                                                                   






 

onsdag 21 februari 2024

PINK FLOYD/RELICS SW-759 (-71) US


 Compilation apparently put together since EMI was worried nothing would come out of the "Meddle" sessions and they wanted something to oblige the band's fans. For more please check post on the UK version  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/09/pink-floydrelics-srs-5071-71.html . This American, released at about the same time, has the same tracking, but on another label with totally different sleeve design. The fact that it came on the band's then main label Harvest in a sturdy textured colour sleeve works well for me and in a way makes the UK budget issue seem a little cheap in comparison. To my ears the US also has better audio. Not that the UK sounds bad, but this comes through somewhat clearer with better separation. Since the band was UK and it seems that issue was the original it's probably what most Pink Floyd fans would prefer, but considering sleeve and audio this sure has its advantages. Glad I don't have to choose. Issued and reissued on all possible formats all over the world through the years. US 1982 reissue on Capitol (SN-13264). Premiere US had label as shown here in textured cover.  (YZÄ*)  (PÅX*)

                                                                                   
                                                                                   
                                                                                       

                                                                                      

                                                                                 

                                                                                 




 

söndag 18 februari 2024

POPLIGAN - FÖR FN OCH FLYKTING-67 PRH 5003 (-67) MONO SWEDEN


 To my taste a very rewarding compilation, filled with top pop, psych and garage cuts, all self-penned. With so much good going on here I'm amazed it's still unknown to most lovers of sixties music. Hoping this repost with added tracks and better images will spread the word. A charity sampler released through a collaboration between UN and Swedish Radio (eng. "Pop League - For UN and Refugee-67"), consisting of twelve cuts written, recorded and donated by the then Swedish pop elite especially for the occation. It was a good cause and sold quite well. Now essential as a collection of rare cuts from bands still considered important and combos that vanished soon after. Listening now it's clear some of them were very generous. Tages "My Home Town" catchy melodic pop, Lee Kings "Stop, Think, Reconsider" (here the original mono version) happy uptempo with tons of energy, Mascots "For Janet (Whom I Met)" garage with rattling guitars and Streaplers "Stop That Train" a bluesy number with organ and attractive vocals. The most outstanding track is The Caretakers "Lonesome Soul". Everything else they did was in the lighter pop genre, but this is high class garage psych. Uptempo in minor with a mystic atmosphere and the refrain carrying some very high pitch vocals - so odd it never fails to amaze me even if I must have heard it over hundred times. Some of the other cuts have later shown up on 45:s, but here is still the only place for that. To my knowledge this was the only issue. It came with label as shown here in a fully laminated cover with project info/picture inner. (ÖJÅX*) (DÄXÖ*) (SCÄ*) (SÄM*) (ÖGÄ*) (HÄH*) (CCÖ*) 

                                                                                 
                                                                                    
                                                                                   

                                                                                     

                                                                                 
                
                                                                                    

                                  
                                                                             

                                                                                   



 

måndag 12 februari 2024

EDDIE BOYD/7936 SOUTH RODES S7 63202 (-68) UK


 Pianist, vocalist and songwriter Eddie Boyd (1914-94) was one of the American blues artists who laid the ground for all rock and blues genres that has flourished from the late fifties up to today. Apart from playing with own combos he's also performed with other big blues names as Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters, Jack Gillum and Buddy Guy. I'm not an expert on those old blues heroes and don't epecially collect them, but I do collect everything by the Peter Green era Fleetwood Mac and since Boyd was backed by Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood and produced by Mike Vernon on this one, it's right up my alley. Apparently the whole album was  recorded in around six hours with just minimal preparation (for more on that check the rear notes below). So what I get here is live in the studio with so much presence. All crowned by Boyd's strong yet sensitive vocals and evident piano play. Bass and drums work just fine and Peter Green's guitar parts provide useful fillings all the way. The audio on this stereo is great - I just have to close my eyes in the listening chair and I'm there. Won't pick any favorites here - it's all good. Full album below. Originally issued also in US as stereo and mono promo (Epic BN 26409), New Zealand (CBS  SBP 473561) and Germany (Blue Horizon 763202). Early UK (also as mono 7-63202) had label as shown here in a laminated cover.  (BLÖH*)  (FXÄC*)

                                                                               
                                                                                 

                                                                                   



 

torsdag 8 februari 2024

TASTE/MOVING ON 2345 006 (-71) GERMANY


 German budget compilation consisting of five cuts from their eponimous debute LP   https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/07/taste-583-042-69-uk.html   and six from the second "On The Boards"  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2013/08/tasteon-boards-583083-70-uk.html   . Even if a Karusell budget issue, initially sold at a lower price it's still very high class - top audio all over in a smoking sleeve design. A nice find for anyone who wanna enjoy this trio's by now legendary blend of blues, rock and prog without paying a lot for the originals. Guitarist Rory Gallagher (1948-95) has recieved wide acclaim for about everything he did during his carreer, but in my opinion never topped these Taste albums. When it comes to compilations there can always be discussions about tracking. I do miss "Blister On The Moon" here, but apart from that it's good. I'm especially fond of the rawer blues numbers like "Sugar Mama", "Railway And Gun", "What's Going On" and "If I Don't Sing I'll Cry", but the somewhat lighter ones also does it, especially the "I'm Moving On" cover. An all over very nice piece of vinyl, showing that what was buget issues then could be gems today. Released also in Scandinavia, Germany and New Zealand. In Australia as part of the "Rock Legends" serie and in Holland as part of the "Superstarshine" serie. To my knowledge never issued like this in US, UK, or on CD.  Premiere German had label as shown here in a fully laminated cover. (GÖXÄ*)  (GÄG*)